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G. FRANKE.

vMATGH SAFE,

. No. 260,187. Patented June 27, 1882.

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. UNITED STATES" PATENT OFFICEa GEORGE FRANKE, OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent vNo. 260,187, dated June 27, 1882.

Applicaiionled May 10,1882. (Model.)

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, GEo. FRANKE, of Baltimore, in the county of Baltimore and State of Maryland, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Match Safes or Boxes; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use it, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification.

My invention relates to an improvement in match-safes; and it consists in the combination of a matchsafe having` an opening through its top for the insertion of the matches, and a wooden plug inserted in its bottom, with apivoted ligure having sharp prongs for picking up the matches or tooth-picks, as will be more fully described hereinafter.

The object of my invention is to produce a match-safe from which only one match at a time is to be taken, and thus prevent large quantities of matches being taken at once, and which is of such shape and construction as to attract attention and cause amusement.

Figure l is a side elevation of my invention complete. Fig. 2 is a vertical section of the same.

A represents a match safe or box which has the sides of the recess or cavity in which the matches are placed made slanting, so that the matches will from their own weight fall to the bottom of the cavity, and thus always be in position to be taken-up. Through the center of the bottom of the safe is made a suitable opening, in which is placed the wooden block B, against which the sharp points which are used for taking up the matches will strike, and thus prevent them from becoming injured by striking against the bottom of the cavity itself. This block is very necessary, for should the points be broken the safe becomes useless, and if the points become dulled they break the matches and tooth-picks instead of picking them up. Upon one side of the top ofthis safe is made a suitable bearing, D, upon the top of which is placed a figure, F, which is provided with two sharp points, G, for picking up the matches. This ligure, which may either consist of a bird, an animal, or any other object, is provided with suitable pivots or jour nals, and is held in place upon the bearing by the top Got' the safe. This top is fastened down by any suitable means, and has ears or projections upon one side, so as to catch over the pivots or bearings upon which the figure moves. The figure will be preferably made heaviest at its outer end, so that it will automatically return to position after it has4 once been moved for the purpose of depressing the sharp points upon a match. Instead,

however, of weighting the figure, should it be so desired, a small spring may be used, which will throw it back into position as soon as the operators hand releases the figure after having depressed it at its inner end.

The match safe or box may be given any shape or form, or be ornamented in any manner that fancy may dictate, so as to present a pleasing appearance, and the figure may be finished in'any manner that may be preferred. As the sharp points G will only take up one match at a time and present it to a person, a match safe or box of this construction will prevent matches from being carried away in large quantities, and will at the same time create amusement and attract attention.

This invention is also applicable to safes or boxes in which wooden tooth-picks are placed, and will answer equally well to prevent the picks from being carried off in large numbers,

as is always the case where they are left exposed.

I am aware that the box and a pivoted gure for picking up objects placed in the box is` old.

Having thus described my invention, I claim'- The combination of a match box or safe having an opening through its top, and the wooden plug B inserted in its bottom, with a pivoted figure provided with suitable sharp points for picking up the matches, substantially as shown and described.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

GEORGE FRANKE. Witnesses:

WM. D. ELDRIDGE, DANL. GIRAUD WRIGHT. 

